Teachers Can Deduct COVID-Prevention Supplies on Their Tax Return
Eligible educators can write off expenses for COVID-19 protective items that help stop the spread of the virus in the classroom.
There's some good news for teachers and other educators who are digging into their own pockets to buy COVID-related supplies for their classroom. They can deduct these out-of-pocket expenses on their tax return. The IRS has even issued guidance to help educators determine what is or isn't deductible as a "COVID-19 protective item."
According to the IRS, deductible supplies include personal protective equipment (PPE) and other items used to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the classroom. Among other things, the list includes:
- Face masks;
- Disinfectants;
- Hand soap;
- Hand sanitizer;
- Disposable gloves;
- Tape, paint or chalk to guide social distancing;
- Physical barriers (e.g., clear plexiglass);
- Air purifiers; and
- Other items recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) used to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The deduction is available for up to $250 of unreimbursed cost of COVID-19 protective items paid by an eligible educator during the calendar year. An "eligible educator" is anyone who is a kindergarten through 12th grade teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide in a school for at least 900 hours during a school year. The maximum deduction jumps to $500 for a married couple filing a joint return if both spouses are eligible educators – but not more than $250 each.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Other expenses that were already deductible – such as books, supplies, and other materials used in the classroom – also count toward the $250 (or $500) limit. For 2021 tax returns, the deduction is claimed on Schedule 1, Line 11, of Form 1040 or 1040-SR. Returns for the 2021 tax year are due April 18, 2022 (April 19 for residents of Maine and Massachusetts).
-
Stocks Climb Wall of Worry to Hit New Highs: Stock Market TodayThe Trump administration's threats to Fed independence and bank profitability did little to stop the bulls on Monday.
-
How Worried Should Investors Be About a Jerome Powell Investigation?The Justice Department served subpoenas on the Fed about a project to remodel the central bank's historic buildings.
-
Will Soaring Health Care Premiums Tank Your Early Retirement?If you're under 65 and want to retire soon, your plan may be derailed by skyrocketing ACA marketplace premiums. Here's what you can do.
-
Are You Afraid of an IRS Audit? 8 Ways to Beat Tax Audit AnxietyTax Season Tax audit anxiety is like a wild beast. Here’s how you can help tame it.
-
States That Tax Social Security Benefits in 2026Retirement Tax Not all retirees who live in states that tax Social Security benefits have to pay state income taxes. Will your benefits be taxed?
-
10 Cheapest Places to Live in WashingtonProperty Tax Is Washington your go-to ski destination? These counties combine no income tax with the lowest property tax bills in the state.
-
3 Major Changes to the Charitable Deduction for 2026Tax Breaks About 144 million Americans might qualify for the 2026 universal charity deduction, while high earners face new IRS limits. Here's what to know.
-
Retirees in These 7 States Could Pay Less Property Taxes Next YearState Taxes Retirement property tax bills could be up to 65% cheaper for some older adults in 2026. Do you qualify?
-
Estate Tax Quiz: Can You Pass the Test on the 40% Federal Rate?Quiz How well do you know the new 2026 IRS rules for wealth transfer and the specific tax brackets that affect your heirs? Let's find out!
-
5 Types of Gifts the IRS Won’t Tax: Even If They’re BigGift Tax Several categories of gifts don’t count toward annual gift tax limits. Here's what you need to know.
-
The 'Scrooge' Strategy: How to Turn Your Old Junk Into a Tax DeductionTax Deductions We break down the IRS rules for non-cash charitable contributions. Plus, here's a handy checklist before you donate to charity this year.
